Aircrew SurvivabilityAircrew Survivability

Rick de Castro

Class ObjectivesClass Objectives

For part-time and regular passengers on aircraft– Fixed Wing– Rotor Wing

Things you can do to MAXIMIZE your trip– Even when things go worng

Not a “survival” course

Personal ActionsPersonal Actions

The personal decision to survive is paramount in the survivability of any aircraft accident

There are things that you, as a non-pilot aircrew member or passenger can do that will make a difference.

Keep the cabin Clean– Secure loose stuff before your head stops it

HygieneHygiene

Bathe daily– Minimize the amount of bacteria that is on your body

Wear clean clothes– Your mother was right - wear clean underwear, you

might get into an accident Close the gaps in your clothes

– Don’t let a fire get through Wear the right stuff

MaterialsMaterials

Don’t wear synthetics Observe while I burn some swatches of different

fabrics– Polypropylene from long underwear– Polypro fleece– Cotton/Polyester from a shirt– 100% cotton from an undershirt– Wool– Nomex

NomexNomex Nomex is used by most folks for flight clothing Wear the flight suit correctly

– Sleeves down, Collars UP– Zippers closed

Don’t let flame get through! Keep it clean Oil, Grease, Aviation Fuel on Nomex isn’t good

Other Clothing ItemsOther Clothing Items Nomex gloves Boots

– No synthetics

– High tops

Minimize exposed skin– Wearing a flightsuit over regular clothes is a fire path

Helmets– Adjusted

– Visor Closed

– Helicopter types

Personal Survival KitPersonal Survival Kit

Carry items on person– Flight suit pockets

– Dedicated vests Air Force / Army SRU-21/P Navy / Marine Corps Civilian Fishing / Photo Vest

If you’re wearing it, you always have it with you– Make sure you’re not so bulky that you can’t exit or

fly the aircraft

What to carry?What to carry?

First Aid– 4x4’s– Bandaids– Roller Bandage– Field Dressing

Water– More is better– Carry a flask, baby

bottle, or small designer water bottle

Signaling– Mirror

Anything shiny will work

Glass mirrors work best

– Smoke Flare

– Pen Flare

– Personal ELT

– Whistle

– Cash and Phone Card

A few more thingsA few more things

Shelter– Can use Aircraft parts

– Small Space Blanket

– Parachute Cord

– Knife Sharp Multi-function

Food – High energy

– Low water

Make sure all the perishables are fresh and in good condition– Food, Water,

Medicines, Pyros

– Check the kit every 3 - 6 months

Store in ziplock bags

Low Priority ItemsLow Priority Items

Lots of food Map and Compass of the area

– You’re not going anywhere Fishing or Snare materials

– At least in So. Cal Firearms

Each Aircraft is DifferentEach Aircraft is Different

How seat seat belts unfasten How doors open

– Are there emergency exits Where the Fire Extinguisher is Where the ELT is

– How to use it– LEAVE IT ON after the crash!

Special Emergency Procedures

When Ground Contact is When Ground Contact is Eminent Eminent

Unlatch Door, Prop Open or discard Tighten Seatbelts and Shoulder Harness Duck Distress Call (Pilot or Obs) Activate ELT (Pilot or Obs) Nighttime

– Turn on landing light If you don’t like what you see, turn it off

Post CrashPost Crash

Wait for everything to quit moving– Rotor Blades– You can survive longer sliding in the cabin than

on your own Exit rapidly Move cross-slope or uphill if possible

– You don’t want to be under the aircraft if it starts to move again

After the CrashAfter the Crash

Administer emergency first aid Wait for things to cool down Salvage

– ELT– Aircraft Survival Equipment– Other useful equipment

Signal for HelpSignal for Help

Relocate ELT and activate, if possible Call on other radios

– Cellphones– Hand-Held Radios

Ready pyrotechnics– Smoke Flares– Pen Flares

Practice with your mirror

How to use Signal MirrorsHow to use Signal Mirrors

Time to Spare?Time to Spare?

Ground - Air Signals for Survivors– Handout

Shelter– Check a good survival book, like the Air Force

or Army versions Food

– Don’t bother DON’T LEAVE THE AIRCRAFT

Questions?Questions?